PARDON MY JARGON

“I am paid by the word, so I always write the shortest words possible.” –Bertrand Russell

Unlike Bertie, I’m sorry to say, I am not paid by the word, so why shortchange myself? In fact, I fancy that I usually command an above average vocabulary, so why not use it? However, I must confess that it’s not….it’s not…..

….for me to come upon an infuriatingly unfamiliar word from time to time. On such occasions — usually when ensconced on my La-z-boy reading a book — I pick up the humongous dictionary ensconced within reach to look up the offending word (unless, of course, I’m feeling lazy….or poorly).

For example, just yesterday, as it were, I was thus ensconced, immersed in a weighty book about something or other (and minding my own business, mind you), when I was assaulted by a word I’d never heard…..or, as they say in Brooklyn, a woid I’d never hoid.

Bolus was the word, and though it sounds absurd, I gave the word the bird and tried to deduce what it inferred from the context wherein conferred. Failing miserably, I gave in and looked it up….which I suggest you do if you’re curious enough, because why should I go to all that work and then give you its meaning for nothing? The nerve of some people!

OK, maybe I got a bit carried away. Sorry about that. Bolus comes from the Greek BÔLOS, lump of earth; English definition, a small round mass. You never know when this word might come in handy, so to remember it, just think of bs with olu in the middle, and you’ve got it made in the shade….or wherever fine word association is sold.

And with that, I thank you for your very kind attention (it’s only good etiquette).